Seven women killed in RYK roof collapse

Dozens injured as weak building structure gives way at BISP payment point

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

At least seven women were killed and dozens injured when the roof of a private payment centre collapsed in Chak 123/P Tibba, Union Council 114, in Rahim Yar Khan on Monday morning, officials said.

The tragic incident occurred at a private payment point where a large number of women had gathered to receive the third installment of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

Authorities said weak infrastructure on the first floor of the building suddenly gave way, causing the roof to collapse and trapping several women under the debris.

Around 76 women were present at the site when the incident took place at approximately 10:39am.

Seven women lost their lives in the accident while many others sustained injuries of varying severity.

As soon as the incident was reported, the district administration and rescue services rushed to the scene. Teams from Rescue 1122 launched an immediate relief operation, dispatching more than ten ambulances and rescue vehicles to the area.

With the help of local residents, rescuers removed debris and pulled out the injured women from under the collapsed structure.

The injured were shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where emergency treatment was provided. Authorities said several of the injured were in critical condition and were being closely monitored by medical staff.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Deputy Commissioner Zahir Anwar Jappa and District Police Officer Irfan Ali Samo immediately reached the site to supervise the rescue and relief efforts.

The deputy commissioner later visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital and directed the hospital administration to declare an emergency to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured.

Following the orders, the hospital management called in additional doctors and paramedical staff to deal with the emergency situation.

The officials also reviewed the medical facilities being provided to the victims and assured their families of full administrative support.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Musarrat Jabeen, accompanied by Regional Police Officer Ghazi Salahuddin, visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. They met the victims and directed the hospital administration to ensure the best possible medical care.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif sought a detailed report on the incident from the authorities.

She expressed condolences with the families of the deceased women and directed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen termed the incident extremely tragic and assured that the Punjab government stood with the affected families in this difficult time.

She said the district administration had launched a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the collapse.

Officials informed the commissioner that an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) had been constituted to investigate the incident.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours.

Authorities said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible if negligence or violation of safety standards is found during the investigation.

Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Rubina Khalid, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the Rahim Yar Khan incident. On the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari, Senator Rubina Khalid immediately departed for Rahim Yar Khan.

The BISP chairperson will visit the site to assess the situation and meet the affected families. Meanwhile, a high-level committee from BISP headquarters has also left for Rahim Yar Khan to conduct an investigation. The committee will submit a detailed report on the incident within 24 hours.

Senator Rubina Khalid said that a notice has been issued to the concerned partner bank over possible negligence, and a heavy fine is also being imposed on the bank. She further announced that the families of the deceased women will be given financial assistance of Rs1 million, while the injured women will receive Rs300,000 each.

She added that relief payments from BISP will be completed by tomorrow. "A transparent investigation will be conducted and strict action will be taken against those responsible," she said, adding that every possible support will be provided to the affected families.